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Enjoy A Rejuvenating Retreat For Less Than S$15

After months of wrestling with tight deadlines, multiple assignments, and crucial projects…you deserve a peaceful rest. A weekend retreat will help! There are different kinds of retreat. While some are spiritually rooted (e.g., in Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Sufi communities), others are for recreational purposes.

A recreational and wellness retreat is a short getaway with a goal to improve your overall health. Activities such as Yoga, meditation, workshops, and organic dining are usually included in the mix. Its average price ranges from S$700-3,000.

Luckily for you, you can take your mind and body to a rejuvenating retreat without flying off the shores of Bali or spending more than S$15. All you have to do is to create your own retreat within the walls of your own home.

1. SET THE POSITIVE MOOD

Kick off your weekend of relaxation by setting up a positive mood. Aromatherapy has been proven to enhance one’s physical and psychological well being. Scented candles ranging from S$2.90-4.90 are available at IKEA.

Image Credits: ikea.com/sg/en/catalog/products/90283207

2. PRACTICE YOGA TWICE A DAY

Eliminate your daily stress by practicing Yoga in the morning and before you end the day. Practicing at home along with a video or audio guide is definitely more cost-effective than attending classes. Websites such as doyogawithme.com and kinoyoga.com have abundant collection of Free Yoga videos and health information that you may use.

If you are in need of yoga props, here are some tips as shared by Abby Lentz (Founder of HeavyWeight Yoga classes):

a. Yoga Blocks

Make a handcrafted Yoga Block with bulky, unused, or old books, yellow pages, phone books, and dictionaries. Just slip a pace of hard cardboard halfway between the pages of the book to make it sturdy and tightly tape the entire areas close.

b. Yoga Straps

Make your own Yoga strap by knotting two neckties together. You may also use a second-hand bathrobe sash from the thrift shop as branded Yoga straps are merely made with cotton straps and buckles.

3. TAKE A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Include at least 30 minutes of cardio exercises such as jogging, brisk walking, and cycling outdoors. These no-cost exercises done in the nearest park will help lower your blood pressure and improve your outlook in life.

4. LOCK DOWN ALL DEVICES

In the spirit of a true retreat, turn off all your devices for the whole weekend but, inform your boss prior to it. Avoid the laptops, tablets, and hand phones to decrease your worries and improve your sleep.

5. MEDITATE FOR 10 MINUTES

Through meditation and mindfulness, you will be focusing yourself to your present state. This improves your quality of life. In fact, a study showed that there was a reduction of grey matter’s amount in the brain after 8 weeks of meditation. This later resulted to less stress and anxiety.

Image Credits: misspsychobabble.blogspot.com

6. EAT HEALTHY FOOD

To detox your body even more, it is a must to eat healthy food for the entire weekend. Shy away from alcohol, tobacco, caffeine and too much sugar. Make an affordable yet healthy smoothie by following these steps by Jasmith1:

a. Pour 300 ml of Apple juice into the measuring jug.

b. Peel a Banana and break it into pieces. Add this to the jug.

c. Grab a handful of frozen Berries and add this to the jug.

d. Liquidate everything using a hand blender until it is fully blended.

e. Presto! You can now enjoy your smoothie. 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Eating Out? Make Healthier And Cheaper Choices In Just 5 Ways

With the influx and the variety of the restaurants, cafes, and other eateries island-wide, it is always a good time to dine out at the Red Dot. But…this does not mean that you can freely eat unhealthily or splurge a lot.

Here are 5 ways to work around it:

1. MAKE IT A HABIT TO SEARCH IN ADVANCE

Before dining in the restaurant, make it a habit to check their menu online. Websites such as sg.openrice.com, yelp.com.sg, or hungrygowhere.com can help you locate a restaurant, identify its menu, and give you an estimate of the average spending. This will help you make tastier, healthier, and cheaper decisions.

2. CONSIDER ORDERING A MEAL

Imagine being in an affordable buffet with all the calorie-rich food available at your arm’s length. It sounds tempting doesn’t it? Yet your health may be at cost. Instead of always opting for a buffet, consider ordering a single meal that is packed with nutrients!

3. DISTANCE YOURSELF FROM THE APPETIZERS

Even if the restaurant appetizers are free, do your best to skip it as some of it are packed with calories. Appetizers are also made to fool your brain unto consuming more food that you intend.

Image Credits: wEnDy via Flickr

4. CHEW SLOWLY

Indulge and savour the taste of your food. Eating slowly will help you realize that you are actually satiated. Thus, you will eat and purchase just enough or even less.

5. CHOOSE YOUR DESSERTS AND SALADS WISELY

I know I am not the only one who shares a deep fondness for desserts. A delectably sweet cake drizzled with tasty toppings can make you hungry for more. Although it is tempting, it is important to watch your sugar intake. Opt for lighter dessert choices such as sorbets or fruits. As for the salads, be mindful of the creamy toppings and the dressings.

Image Credits: Ralph Daily via Flickr

With these simple ways, your tummy and your wallet will definitely be happy!

5 Wallet-Friendly Ways to Beat The Heat

The scorching hot weather is gracing at Singapore and other parts of Asia. Too much heat can cause exhaustion, cramps, or heat stroke. Luckily for you, you can beat the heat even without the access to air conditioning. Save on huge expenses by following these simple yet helpful tips…

1. USE FANS

Fans are less costly than air conditioners. It can help you feel fresh and breezy as you walk around your house. Make sure the fans are strategically placed to cool the entire area. While you are at it, close the curtains and the blinds to reduce the heat by approximately 45%.

2. DRESS DOWN

Wear loose and light fabrics (e.g., white cotton t-shirt) as these are more breathable. Invest in a few tank tops for only S$5 or less to keep you cooler for the entire day.

You can also consider Uniqlo’s range of AIRism tops, designed to provide extra comfort in humid Singapore. There is an ongoing promotion where you can get 2 piece of AIRism innerwear for just $24.90.

3. EAT COLD TREATS

Indulge in cold treats such as frozen fruits, ice-creams, or iced Milo. Homemade Popsicles made with simple ingredients such as a can of coconut juice for as low as S$1.10, can help you beat the heat for less. Simply put the juice in your ice-cream molds (available at Daiso for S$2) and freeze it for more than an hour. Or, you may make your own ice cream by following this tutorial.

4. GOOD HYDRATION

In order for your body to remain cooler, you need to keep it well hydrated. When plenty of ice is not enough to keep your water cool, try to freeze it inside the milk carton containers. This will enable you to preserve the coolness of your water due to its block-like figure. A cheaper solution indeed!

5. LEARN YOUR QUICK-COOLING SPOTS

Master your personal bodily temperature by focusing on your quick-cooling spots first. For instance, applying ice pack or cold water on your neck and wrists can make your body cool instantly. Know the other quick-cooling spots here.

Image Credits: Steven Depolo via Flickr

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Budget-Friendly Ways To Show Your Love For Football Or Soccer

This article is dedicated to the hardcore fans of the entertaining and vigorous sport where you kick the ball by foot to score a goal. In Singapore, this sport is either called Football or Soccer while in other parts of the world such as United States and Canada…you call it Soccer.

Nonetheless, here are the 4 budget-friendly ways to show your love for the coveted sport:

1. WATCH WHILE ENJOYING A DRINK

Watch the World Cup game with a drink from Brewerkz. Brewerkz, Singapore’s first microbrewery restaurant, serves handcrafted beers to suit every palate. Their mock-tails and other non-alcoholic drinks cost about S$6-9. While, the alcoholic drinks (i.e., excluding the handcrafted beers) cost about S$11-26. Game starts at 7:30 pm so, get in the restaurant early to secure a good spot across the 10 flat screen TVs.

Location: 301 Merchant Rd, Riverside Point, Singapore 058282

2. BUY THE BALL OR BE THE BALL

Bubble Bump Singapore offers bubble games where players wear inflatable balls in an attempt to win in a Soccer match. Each suit are harnessed and equipped to make sure your fall will be relatively painless. One session will surely bring all the players loads of laughter as you start the full-on bouncing action just to score a goal. The Bubble games can be enjoyed by a group of friends, colleagues, and families. A casual fun game including 10 bubble suits, 2 facilitator, equipments, and photography starts with S$15/pax (i.e., 20 people). For more information, visit: bubblebump.sg.

Alternatively, you can play at home by purchasing a ball at Toys R Us (S$14.95) or at Decathlon (S$8.90).

3. SUPPORT THE SINGAPORE’S S.LEAGUE LIVE

Nothing beats a live game action alongside the other fans! You can catch the S.League games live at the Kallang National Stadium, Jurong East Stadium, Choa Chu Kang Stadium, Jurong West Stadium, and Jalan Besar Stadium. The S. League games start from July 20 at 7:30 pm while, the Singapore Cup starts on May 22 at 7:30 pm.

Ticket prices range from S$1-6 depending on your age and the venue. For more information, visit: sleague.com.

4. TRAIN YOUR KID TO BE THE NEXT BECKHAM

Translate your love of Soccer or Football to your child by enrolling him or her in fun yet guided lessons. For the young tots of 18 months to 6 years old, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$23) at TinyTots. For the children aged 4 to 14, you may purchase a GROUPON for 2 lessons (S$19) at 2Touch Soccer School.

I bid you adieu with this famed chant: Olé, Olé, Olé!

The True Cost Of Traditional Chinese Medicine In Singapore

The Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) encompasses several theories and practices that were developed in China back then…for over two millennia. The practices include herbal medicine, acupuncture, exercises, and massages.

In 2013, a study by Jingcheng Dong showed that there are different components in a TCM diagnosis, namely: Inspection, Auscultation-olfaction, Background, and Palpation. The inspection involves visually examining the changes in the patient’s appearance and movement. Auscultation-olfaction involves listening to sounds and smelling different odors. Background, consistent with the Western Medicine, involves checking the past medical records, family health history, and more. Lastly, palpation involves diagnosing an illness with the use of touch.

The common forms of TCM treatment available in Singapore are acupuncture and cupping. Acupuncture relieves the stress and pain while cupping stimulates blood flow and minimizes aches.

SO, HOW MUCH DOES TCM TREATMENTS COST?

The cost of your overall TCM treatment varies depending on the type of treatment and the clinic you go to. For instance, Ma Kuang Healthcare Group charges S$15 for the first consultation and S$10 for the following ones. Adults aged 60 and above get to enjoy their special discounts ranging from 20-30% off. The medicines are sold separately.

On the other hand, Xu Yang Acupuncture & TCM Clinic located at Yishun Ring Road, does not charge a cent for the consultation. And, their acupuncture treatment costs S$45. Aside from this, Singapore’s first integrated TCM and healthcare centre called Chinese Medical Centre charges S$80 for a session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment.

Image Credits: Image Credits: makuang.com.sg/en

Since the cost of the treatments vary, it is important to do your research first to get the best results.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE TCM SERVICES?

1. MINISTRY OF HEALTH’S TCM PORTAL

You can find registered TCM practitioners at the TCM Portal – available here. Rest assured that the Health Sciences Authority regulates all the Chinese Proprietary Medicines. They must oblige with a set of criteria first before the products are sold in Singapore.

2. GROUPON

The famed online marketplace also houses affordable and discounted TCM treatments such as:

a. One Session of Pulse Consultation, Yang Sheng Therapy, and a choice of whether Acupuncture, Cupping, or Gua Sha treatment for S$28 only.

From Chinese Medical Centre – available here.

b. One Session of TCM Localized Pain Management Treatment and Physician’s Consultation for S$18 only.

From Fu Yang Tang TCM Clinic – available here.

Image Credits: facebook.com/FuYangTang

No matter what the expense totals to, remember to exercise discretion and caution with your purchase! 🙂

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

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